Licensure Exam Review Preparation

NASW chapters bring Social Workers the best national trainer and the lowest price possible to help ensure you feel ready for your upcoming licensure exam! As the exams are national, NASW chapters across the country are partnering—and using the same trusted trainer—to expand access and offer more opportunities for participants to take the course.

Learn strategies for interpreting exam questions and understanding exam format, and get study tips and tools to prepare for your exam with confidence. You'll also learn ways to manage your anxiety and have access to a wealth of study materials. 

Statement Regarding the ASWB Exams
ASWB released its 2022 ASWB Exam Pass Rate Analysis in early August 2022, confirming glaring disparities in pass rates among racial and other demographic groups. NASW does not support use of the ASWB exams in their current form and is advocating for significant changes to testing and regulation, including entry-level exam elimination where possible and alternative pathways to licensure.  However, as long as the ASWB exams remain an option, we will continue to offer this course at the lowest possible price to provide you with great resources and strategies to prepare for your exam. If you're an NASW member who has taken the exam and has not passed, or has financial barriers to registering for this course, we invite you to contact your NASW Chapter. 

Course Description

Our Licensure Exam Review Prep Course helps you prepare for your social work licensure exam by reviewing the structure and content of the exam, as well as strategies for test-taking. This includes reviewing sample questions and learning how to correctly interpret them, and learning how to avoid the most common pitfalls in order to increase your competence and confidence.

This course does not review specific content areas in depth; rather, it outlines the areas of knowledge, skills, and aptitudes that are covered on the exam, and discusses how you may asked about those areas on the exam. 

This course is for ALL exam categories; Bachelors, Masters, Advanced Generalist, and Clinical.

The social work exam guide

Your registration includes your own Digital Access Fourth Edition Social Work Exam Guide by Dawn Apgar (published by Springer Publishing; $129.99 retail value), which comes with digital access to additional study tools. 

Get access to a ton of study tools!

Registration for this course includes:

• Access to the 6.5-hour live review course with Dawn Apgar
• Digital Access to the Fourth Edition Social Work Exam Guide by Dawn Apgar (published by Springer Publishing)
  • Contains material for the ASWB exam blueprint, including new content added in 2018
  • Offers a wealth of test-taking tips and strategies to foster exam confidence
  • Includes a practice test (with explanations of correct answers) that mirrors the exam
• Continuous access to ExamPrepConnect, a robust Social Work Licensure Learning Management System
  • Set your exam date to generate a study plan
  • Use flashcards and other study tools to review exam content
  • Connect on a discussion board with full access to the author and others who are studying for the exam

About the trainer

Dawn Apgar, Ph.D, LSW, ACSW, and author of social work exam guides by Springer Publishing

Dawn Apgar has helped thousands of social workers across the country pass the ASWB examination in all categories of licensure, and has written the exam guides printed by Springer Publishing. Dr. Apgar has done extensive research on licensure and is currently chairperson of her state's licensing board. She is a past president of the New Jersey Chapter of NASW and has been on its National Board of Directors. In 2014, the Chapter presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Apgar has taught in both undergraduate and graduate social work programs and has extensive direct practice, policy, and management experience in the social work field.

FAQs about the Virtual Licensure Exam Review Prep Course

About the course

Are CEUs offered with this course? 

This course counts as 6 CEUs if you are licensed in MN. If you not in MN, check with the regulatory board or NASW chapter where you are licensed to learn how this course may count towards your continuing education requirements. 

Why is this course for all exam categories, and not just for my exam category?

This is not a content review course. This is a test preparation course that covers strategies for understanding, taking and passing the ASWB exam. These strategies are the same for all exam categories.

Why do I need to have my webcam on for the course?

You must have your webcam on for the entirety of the course. This course’s materials are copyrighted and given the nature of exam prep content, we are taking every step to ensure the course content’s fidelity. It is also beneficial to both instructor and attendee to engage in the course via webcam. 

Is this course being recorded?

No, this course will not be recorded. Please make arrangements to attend the course in its entirety; you will not have the opportunity to view anything missed.

Course Materials and Access

When will I receive my course materials?

Register (5) business days before the course date to ensure that you receive your digital materials before the course date. If you register after this period, you may not receive your digital materials until after the course date. Access to your digital materials are sent to the email address that you used to register for the course. *Please note that the course materials are not required to participate in the course.*

When will I receive my course access/Zoom link?

Course access/Zoom link will be sent to the email address provided during registration 7-10 days before the course date. Please check your spam/junk folders. We are not responsible for delays or non-receipt due to an incorrect email address or filtered/blocked messages. If you registered through the Social Work Online CE Institute, you can access the course from your My Account page.

Where will my materials be sent?

Information to access your digital materials will be emailed to the email address you used during registration. Please verify that your email address is correct.

How long will I have access to my digital materials?

You will have access to your digital materials for as long as you need it.

Can I get a hard copy of the exam guide?

The digital-first access will be part of your course with Dawn Apgar (however you do not need your materials present during the course). You may make a purchase on the Springer Publishing Company website for a hard copy of the exam guide. 

Registration and Payment

When does online registration for course dates close?

You may register online anytime before the course begins as long as the course hasn't filled up (60 max capacity). Register (5) business days before the course date to ensure that you receive your digital materials before the course date. 

Can I pay by phone for my registration payment?

If paying by phone, you must register by noon CST the day before the course date by calling 651-293-1935. You will need to make a credit card payment over the phone to register. Register (5) business days before the course date to ensure that you receive your digital materials before the course date. 

Can I mail a check for my registration payment?

Checks payable to NASW-MN can be mailed to PO Box 92, Backus, MN 56435. Payment must be received (5) days before the course date to secure your spot in the training and receive your digital materials. 

Is there a group registration rate for this course? 

Yes! Email admin.naswmn@socialworkers.org for group (5+) pricing! 

What is the refund deadline for this course?

A full refund can be issued for cancellations (5) business days before the course date. No refunds or credits will be issued after this date. Contact NASW-MN at admin.naswmn@socialworkers.org or 651-293-1935 to cancel your registration.

Other Information to Know:

• Register for the exam level you are taking (not your current license type). 
• There is no Advanced Generalist digital exam guide. Advanced Generalist registrants will receive the Clinical digital exam guide. 
• Purchase of this course is only intended for individual use.